The Junior League of Olympia is hosting its annual Open House at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 14 at the State Capital Museum’s Coach House to meet women who are interested in becoming new members in the 2016-17 year.

The Fall Open House is free to attend. Refreshments will be provided. The State Capital Museum is located at 211 21st Ave. SW in Olympia.

The league is a group of approximately 200 dedicated volunteers in the Olympia area who are united by a common desire to serve the community and learn effective ways to make a difference, all while making friends and networking.

The Olympia group began as a Junior Service League in 1987 and became a full-fledged Junior League in April 1993.

Its primary focus is the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Thurston County, and it is looking for new members ages 21 and older to join in the cause. Throughout the year, this group of volunteers raises money and donates time volunteering in the community in ways that support this focus.

This isn’t the league for white gloves, pearls and tea parties.

The Junior League of Olympia is a diverse group comprised of farmers, lawyers, stay-at-home mothers, doctors and executive directors who come from all walks of life. They are passionate about creating better lives for families in Thurston County and this ties them together, often into lifelong friendships.

The league also trains women to serve in leadership roles in other community groups and nonprofits.

The Junior League of Olympia announces its new board of directors for the 2016-17 year:

Junior league of olympia

The Junior League of Olympia is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. ​